Troops kill notorious gunrunner, recover weapons in Plateau ambush

Troops of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) have killed a notorious gunrunner and logistics supplier to a major banditry network in Plateau State. The operation, which led to the recovery of arms and ammunition, is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal syndicates threatening peace in the region.

A statement signed by Samson Nantip Zhakom, a Major and Media Information Officer of JTF OPEP, and made available to Journalists at the weekend indicated that “the suspect was arrested on 4 September 2025 at a location where he was receiving treatment for previous gunshot wounds. Intelligence sources had tracked his movement, identifying him as a key figure in the supply chain for bandits operating across the Joint Operations Area.

“Upon arrest, the gunrunner confessed to his role and agreed to cooperate with the military by revealing the location of his weapons cache. Acting on this information, troops launched a follow-up operation to exploit the identified hideout believed to house significant arms used by the criminal network.

“On 6 September 2025, as troops closed in on the location, they were ambushed by members of the gunrunner’s gang, triggering a heavy firefight. Amid the chaos, the suspect attempted to escape but was neutralised by troops. The gang members, overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower, retreated with gunshot wounds”.

The spokesperson added that following the confrontation, the troops thoroughly searched the area, leading to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and two magazines, now in the custody of security forces. He confirmed that follow-up operations are underway to apprehend other fleeing gang members and dismantle the wider network.

Zhakom reiterated the commitment of 3 Division and JTF OPEP to maintaining aggressive military pressure on non-state actors in Plateau and surrounding areas. He assured that troops will continue to dominate the Joint Operations Area and deny terrorists and bandits any freedom of movement or action.

He called on members of the public to support ongoing operations by providing timely and credible information to security forces, saying this latest operation is part of sustained efforts to restore lasting peace and security across troubled parts of Plateau State.